Synthesis and Cross-Linking in the Structure and Growth of Hair Keratins

The document discussed the biochemical mechanisms involved in hair growth, highlighting the limited understanding of molecular events within the hair follicle at the time. It described the process of hair cell migration from the bulb region, taking approximately 5 days to become keratinized. During keratin synthesis, the -SH content in proteins decreased rapidly due to oxidation to disulfide bonds, reaching an oxidized state within 6-12 hours. Despite extensive literature, the hair follicle remained a "black box" in terms of detailed molecular knowledge.